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Engine and Gearbox Protection Add-on in Car Insurance, It’s Meaning & How it Works?
The engine of your car literally plays the same role as your own heart! It’s what pumps life into your car. You can’t survive without a heart, can you? Neither can your car without an engine!
So, it’s of utmost importance to keep your engine in a healthy condition by regularly getting it serviced and ensuring it is always well lubricated, just as you have regular check-ups to ensure that you are in the pink of health. Lest we mention, we said well lubricated because the oil flowing through your car’s engine is like the blood flowing through your heart!
That said, however well you maintain your car, your car’s engine is prone to regular wear and tear, and under certain unforeseen circumstances major engine parts can fail too. Just as one can’t predict a heart attack, we might say!
What is Engine Protect Add-on Cover in Car Insurance?
Engine and gearbox protection cover in car insurance is an add-on that provides enhanced coverage to the insured car’s engine and gearbox against damage occurred due to engine malfunction, lubricating oil leakage, ingression of water, hydrostatic lock, etc.
Since damage to the engine and gearbox is not covered in a standard car insurance policy, you need comprehensive policy or own damage car insurance with engine protection add-on. This is because any damage to the engine or gearbox usually gets classified under consequential damage, or a damage that is not directly a result of an unfortunate incident.
To repair or replace any of these components can cost enough to give you a heart attack! Well, not literally, but we guess you get the point😊! Basically, this car insurance add-on helps you get out of such situations without burning a hole in your pocket!
The engine protect cover in car insurance is especially useful for you if you live in areas prone to flooding or heavy rainfall.
Meaning of Engine Protection Car Insurance Add-On
Engine protect in car insurance means an add-on that covers the cost of repair or replacement of insured car’s engine and gearbox in case of damage caused due to waterlogging, oil leakage, and other damage.
Also, it is important to note that an engine secure cover is not available for cars older than 5 years.
Why Should You Buy Engine Protect Add-on Cover?
As the name suggests, this add-on covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car's engine and its parts, which are not typically covered under a standard car insurance policy.
Since engine and gearbox repairs/replacements are quite expensive depending upon the make and model of your car. Therefore, this add-on helps you avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses in case of engine damage due to water ingress, oil leakage, etc.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs under this engine protect cover in car insurance add-on also helps extend the life of your car's engine.
Having an engine protect add-on implies that your engine is always well-maintained, which can boost your car's resale value.
Knowing that your car’s engine is covered under this add-on in various unforeseen situations, you will be able to drive peacefully.
How Does It Work?
To understand the working of engine and gearbox protection cover in car insurance, let us take the help of an example:
Suppose you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, so often during the monsoon season, your car gets stuck in a flooded street, and water enters the engine, causing significant damage.
Without Engine Protection Cover
Suppose the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged engine is ₹70,000. Since you don’t have engine protect in car insurance, you would have to pay for this expense out of your pocket, as standard comprehensive car insurance does not cover such non-accidental engine damage.
With Engine Protection Cover
Now, if you have purchased engine protect in car insurance with your comprehensive car insurance policy by paying an additional premium, then you can file a claim under this add-on if the engine gets damaged due to water ingress.
The insurance company will assesses the damage and approve the claim. So, in this case, the insurer will cover the repair cost of the engine, which is ₹70,000, minus any deductible or depreciation applicable.
Thus, having an engine protection cover saves you from a significant financial burden, providing peace of mind.
What’s Covered in Engine Protection Car Insurance Add-on?
The repair and replacement costs for engine and gearbox child parts depend on the make and model of the car, and the extent of the damage. Common engine and gearbox child parts include the crankshaft, cylinder head, camshaft, pistons, gear shafts, synchronizer rings, etc. However, it is covered only if the damage caused is due to water ingression, leakage of lubricating oil, damage to gear box, and undercarriage damage.
Cost of consumables that are replenished at the time of repair is also included, such as lubricating oil, coolant, nuts and bolts, etc. However, the cost is covered only if the damage caused is due to water ingression, leakage of lubricating oil, damage to gear box, and undercarriage damage.
Labour costs for repairing or replacing damaged components of engine or gearbox can vary based on the work involved and other factors. However, for extensive repairs, the total labour costs can be substantial. Also, the cost is covered only if the damage caused is due to water ingression, leakage of lubricating oil, damage to gear box, and undercarriage damage.
What's Not Covered?
Consequential damage refers to indirect damage that occurs as a result of a primary event. In this case, any damage that is not directly related to the engine or gearbox will not be covered. For example, a faulty engine causes the car to overheat and subsequently damages the car's electrical system.
The add-on does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear. For instance, if the engine fails because of old age or lack of maintenance, it will not be covered under the insurance policy.
This car insurance add-on will not cover the damage to the engine or gearbox if it is already covered under the manufacturer's warranty.
Any claim where water inundation is not proved in case of water ingression related loss will not be covered. This generally includes evidence such as photographs, repair estimates, and reports from authorized service centers.
How to Buy Engine Protect Add-on in Car Insurance with Digit?
Step 1
On the Digit app or website, enter your car’s registration number and mobile number, and click on ‘View Prices’.
Step 2
Select the insurance plan, IDV and choose the Engine and Gearbox Protect add-on cover. Click on ‘Continue.’
Step 3
Enter your personal, nominee and vehicle details and click on ‘Pay Now.’
Step 4
Complete the payment and mandatory KYC verification process.
Step 5
You’re done! You’ll receive the policy document via email, SMS and WhatsApp. Also, you can access it 24X7 on the Digit App.
How to File a Claim for Engine Protection Cover in Car Insurance?
Step 1
Download the Digit app and go to ‘File Motor Claim’ option.
Step 2
Provide all the required details related to accident and damage.
Step 3
Enter your personal details and click on ‘Register Claim’ button.
Step 4
That's it! Your claim has been registered successfully, and you will receive the next steps on your email and WhatsApp.
Things to Remember Before Buying Engine Secure in Car Insurance
The engine and gearbox protection cover is not available for cars older than 5 years.
This add-on can only be purchased with comprehensive or own damage car insurance plans. You cannot avail of engine protection cover benefits if you have only a third-party car insurance policy.
This car insurance cover is an add-on with a standard policy, and hence available at an additional premium.
Usually, under the engine protection add-on cover, the insurer allows you to file up to two claims. However, confirm the same with your insurer as it may vary.
Also, the engine protection in insurance is applicable only in certain conditions and depends on the age, make, and model of the vehicle. So, check with your insurer about such specific conditions.
Who is It Perfect for?
If you drive your car in flood-prone areas or work near water bodies, it increases the risk of water damage to your car’s engine and gearbox. This is because floods can cause severe damage to the engine, electrical systems, and interior of the car. In such a case, this add-on has got your back.
Luxury cars often come with high-performance engines and gearboxes, whose repair/replacement costs are quite significant. Therefore, people owning such cars can benefit from having this add-on as it will protect them financially.
If you are a frequent traveller and often take your car for long distances, your car is prone to more wear and tear, increasing the probability of engine issues and accidents. So, having car insurance with this add-on will cover you on every ride and give you peace of mind.
FAQs about Engine Protection Add-on in Car Insurance
What is an engine protection cover in car insurance?
An engine and gearbox protection cover is an add-on in car insurance that covers the cost of repairing or replacing the gearbox and engine of insured car due to damage from water ingress, oil leakage, or other causes.
What are the engine protection cover benefits?
The add-on covers the cost of repairing or replacing the engine against damage occurred due to engine malfunction, lubricating oil leakage, ingression of water, hydrostatic lock, etc., thus, providing peace of mind and financial protection, as repairing/replacing engine and gearbox can be expensive.
Is an engine protection cover beneficial for a 5-year-old car?
Yes, car insurance with engine protection can prove to be beneficial for a 5-year-old car, especially if the car is prone to engine issues or is used in areas with heavy rainfall or poor road conditions.
Is engine protection cover available for all cars?
No, the duration of engine protection cover varies by insurer, but generally it is available for cars up to 5 years old. Please confirm the same with your insurer.
Is an engine protection cover worth it?
Yes, engine protect add-on cover is worth buying with your standard car insurance policy as it provides financial protection against expensive engine repairs that are not covered under the standard policy and thus offer peace of mind. The add-on also enhances your car’s resale value as it helps in maintaining the engine in optimal condition.
Does engine protection in insurance cover zero depreciation?
No, engine protection add-on covers only engine-related damages, while zero depreciation covers the full cost of parts replacement without considering depreciation.